Wireless intelligent real estate electronic lock box

ABSTRACT

An intelligent real estate system including an intelligent real estate sign having embedded processing functionality and a wireless communication device capable of receiving wireless electronic queries and programming instructions and for communicating with local and remote information sources about a real estate property and with controlling agents for reporting status. Further included is an electronic lock box controlling access to the real estate property and having an embedded wireless communication device capable of receiving messages and control signals from the real estate sign and from a property owner/occupant and/or real estate agents for reporting status. An earth battery may also be included, at least partially contained within the real estate sign and supplying power to the real estate sign.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/602,340, filedJun. 24, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,624,742.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an intelligent real estate sign andelectronic lock box to enhance information delivery, collection, use,and the security of real estate properties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current method of marketing real estate property for sale is laborintensive and necessarily results in significant variation in thequality and timeliness of information transfer between the propertyseller, the seller's agent and the prospective buyers.

“For Sale By Owner” and other methods of selling real estate which donot involve formal and substantive real estate agent involvement aresusceptible to significant confusion, lost time, legal and otherdifficulties inherent in satisfactory execution of a sale. Such methodscan potentially expose both the seller and the buyer to significantrisks and legal liabilities.

Traditional real estate signs serve only to direct prospective buyers toa single real estate office or agent. Such “For Sale” properties canonly be investigated during certain (e.g., daylight, agency office,etc.) hours and such appointments must most often be scheduled ahead oftime through the buyer's agent and/or the property occupants. This isespecially problematical when property offered for sale is unoccupied,located in rural areas, or is otherwise distant or requires significanttravel time from the listing real estate office. Further, propertyvisits are documented only by agents leaving their business cards andvisit durations are usually undeterminable. Such information maymaterially assist in achieving a rapid sale satisfactory to all parties.Since interactions between the seller and potential buyer aretraditionally discouraged, potential buyer comments, impressions andcriticisms about the property are rarely relayed to the seller.Additionally, there is no record of entries to/exits from the property,nor of specific points of entry used (e.g., front door, sliding door,garage door, external basement entrance, window, etc.), regardless ofhow many entrances, exits, or transits of the property are made during avisit. Thus, no method of tracking activity at the property isordinarily at hand today other than the presence of a business cardvoluntarily left by a visiting agent.

In addition, updated information concerning a specific property, forexample, the presence of an offer and its status, schedules for showingthe property, changes in price or terms, etc., is typically availableonly through agent request (i.e., “pull”) or agent-mediated buyerrequest (i.e., “pull”), as opposed to via network-mediated automaticnotifications (i.e., “push”)to agents and also simultaneously topotential buyers.

In addition to these limitations of the current real estate businessmodel, the security of a property listed for sale is often compromisedby the placement of a mechanical real estate lock box on one or morepoints of access on the property. Such prior art lock boxes operate viaa common physical key or spin dial combination distributed to manyagents and boxes are reused among properties offered for sale. Suchfactors compromise the security of the real estate property.

In light of the foregoing limitations of the prior art real estateselling methods, there is clearly a need for an intelligent real estatesystem to promote communication of information between the seller andother interested parties (e.g., agents, occupants, potential buyers) toenhance the overall effectiveness and security of the property.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention that are believed to be novel areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. However, theinvention together with further advantages thereof, may be bestunderstood by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall intelligent real estate systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram showing the overall components of awireless communication system embedded in a real estate sign accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a process by which the real estate signreceives an information request and transmits the requested informationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process in which a controlling agentrequests access to the real estate property according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process for determining whether aconfigured client device is within a predetermined proximity and fortransmitting information to proximate client devices according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to an intelligent real estate system toenhance and speed up the process of selling real estate property. FIG. 1is a diagram showing the overall intelligent real estate systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.1, a typical real estate sign 20 is preferably powered by a power source22 and has a wireless communication system 24 attached thereto. Wirelesscommunication system 24 is also preferably powered by power source 22 tocommunicate with, for example, an electronic lock box 25, a clientdevice 26 and/or a controlling agent device 28. Client device 26 andcontrolling agent device 28 are preferably wireless devices, such as apersonal digital assistant, a cellular phone, a digital wallet, etc.,which are compatible with wireless communication system 24 and arecapable of input/output, information storage and display. Client device26 will typically be carried by either a potential buyer or anon-controlling real estate agent, such as the potential buyer's agent.Client device 26 is typically limited to interactively communicatingwith either real estate sign 20 or electronic lock box 25 to exchangeinformation. Client device 26 will typically be unable to control accessto the property. Additionally, client device 26 may access the Internetor an agency network for the purpose of on-line, real-time loanapplication and decision making; locations of comparable properties;access to public government databases, such as to query real estatetitle, assessments, liens, zoning, easements, permit history,improvement records, etc.

To provide marketing information and to provide information on potentialbuyers (which might for example, assist in screening qualifiableprospects for a particular property from others, etc.), real estate sign20 can preferably record and store the identity, contact time(s),information and action requests made by potential buyers and agents.

Controlling agent device 28 will typically have additional capabilitiesnot realized by client device 26, as controlling agent device 28 ispreferably carried only by the agent listing the real estate property.Such additional device 28 capabilities are addressed below in moredetail. Wireless communication system 24 will be discussed later indetail with reference to FIG. 2.

Real estate sign 20 is also intended to perform all of thephysical/mechanical functions performed by a traditional real estatesign, e.g., fixed, visual display of agency, contact information,summary status (e.g., “sold”, “sale pending”, “reduced”, etc.). The signis also intended to incidentally host a box or other container forholding paper flyer sheets, etc., relating to property features usefulfor communicating basic property information to persons not possessingany kind of portable client device 26 capable of communicatingelectronically with real estate sign 20. In a preferred embodiment, realestate sign 20 is a typical real estate sign, which is placed, forexample, in front of a house for sale. As stated above, power source 22may be attached to real estate sign 20 or embedded therein, eitherpartially or completely. Although any type power source may be used, ina preferred embodiment of the present invention, power source 22 is anearth battery.

An earth battery operates in a manner similar to a conventional batteryand generates electrical energy from an electrochemical reaction of theelectrodes of the battery and the earth. The use of an earth battery inthis application is particularly beneficial because most often a realestate sign is located on a front yard of the property offered for sale.Such a location is usually removed from ordinary commercial electricalpower sources. In addition, the power to a property listed for sale maybe turned off if the occupant has already vacated the premises. The useof a solar powered battery may also be problematic depending on the areasurrounding the real estate sign.

Therefore, in order to provide sufficient power to real estate sign 20,an earth battery constructed of separate and modular anode and cathodesubsystems with materials selected for their electronic properties andalso to local soil properties and other characteristics preferably maybe used to provide in-situ electrical power tailored to the real estatesystem requirements. Anode and cathode materials can be fashioned, forexample, into plates, rods, or other two or three dimensional shapes asneeded to ensure an effective and, if need be, customized intelligentreal estate system installation.

Considerations of factors including soil conditions, power quantity andquality requirements, soil penetration ability, minimal requiredlifetime and other such factors are preferably considered in conjunctionwith the earth battery. Electrode subsystems may be designed to beattached to electrical transmission wires which terminate in and provideelectrical power to real estate sign 20 (not shown).

Electrodes may be located within or at the periphery of the signpost, ormay be detached for separate placement and connected by electricalwiring suitable for conducting electricity to the sign. Electrodesintegral to the sign may be inserted into the ground at the time thesignpost is installed. Electrodes may be separately inserted into theground and their attached wiring then attached to the sign in a separateprocess. Electrodes are preferably buried in the soil while electricaltransmission wires are preferably concealed within real estate sign 20.Electrode components may be selectively and modularly connected togetherin series and/or parallel, as necessary, to provide power of the propercurrent and voltage to actuate all sign functions. Thus, the real estatesign installer will preferably select the anode and cathode materialsand form factors as needed for the intended site. Preferably, physicalaccess to power source 22 is also provided. In the event aninterruptible power source is used (e.g., solar photovoltaic power), abackup battery is incorporated to support memory retention while thestandard battery is changed is preferably incorporated into electroniclock box 25 (not shown).

Electronic lock box 25 may typically be an all-electronic lock box whichis wireless. Optionally, electronic lock box 25 may be networked.Electronic lock box 25, according to the present invention, also can bea dual-mode lock box, which is similar to current mechanical lock boxesin that once electronic lock box 25 is opened, a key stored therein canbe accessed. It should be noted that the key may be a traditionalmechanical key or any type device capable of providing access throughone or more entry ways at the property. However, if the real estateproperty is of a type having electronic capabilities, e.g., electroniclocks, electronic lock box 25 may typically be all electronic andpreferably may control entry to the real estate property through one ormore entryways. It should also be noted that electronic lock box 25 cantypically perform all functions that a standard prior art lock box canperform.

Electronic lock box 25 is preferably hermetically sealed such that it iswaterproof with no external penetration points, slots, etc., which wouldsupport prying or other such physical attacks which compromise thesecurity of the real estate property. If electronic lock box 25 is of atype having mechanical lock box functions, internal compartment 30 maypreferably accommodate one or more keys. In addition, electronic lockbox 25 typically includes a clock, a local nonvolatile memory, aproximity device reader, a user display, and preferably is compatiblewith electronic cards, such as a smart card. Preferably, the real estatesign 20 can perform all of the information exchanges, as discussedabove, which electronic lock box 25 can perform.

To provide marketing information and to record how long the agent and/orpotential buyer spent inside the real estate property, electronic lockbox 25 can preferably record and store the duration of each visit to thereal estate property. For properties possessing indigenous electronicnetworking capabilities (e.g., preexisting security system, home datanetwork, etc.), each use of a property entry-point (e.g., front door,sliding door, garage door, external basement entrance, window, etc.) canbe recorded and stored for later retrieval and audit purposes.

In addition, the identity of the agent who showed the house and the timeand duration of each visit during which the electronic lock box wasutilized while the house was shown can also typically be recorded.Optionally, electronic lock box 25 can function in a manner similar towireless communication system 24 by supporting user queries andsupplying information wirelessly to either client 26 or controllingagent device 28.

Preferably, electronic lock box 25 can accommodate an alarm system whichis triggered by an unauthorized attempt to access the property.Additionally, emergency alarms generated by an appropriately interfacingwireless personal electronic device 26 or 28 can be recorded, stored,and forwarded by electronic lock box 25 and/or real estate sign 20 toone or more externally networked service agencies, including the listingreal estate office and/or public safety agencies. A long-life typebattery is typically attached to electronic lock box 25 to support allinternal electronic functions and, similarly, a backup batterysupporting memory retention while the standard battery is changed ispreferably incorporated into electronic lock box 25 (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, controlling agent device 28 can directlycontrol electronic locks without interfacing with electronic lock box25. Electronic lock box 25 alternatively can be accessible mechanicallyto accommodate users not equipped with a portable wireless device.However, electronic lock box 25 can preferably still record anymechanical access events and attempts. Typically, various controlstandards can be maintained through electronic lock box 25 by schedulingtimes of the day which access may be granted, either pre-programmed orcontrollable by the property owner/occupant.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, access to theelectronic lock box support functions can be reserved, via an electronicsecurity device, to the controlling agent, other agents authorized bythe listing real estate office, users authorized via networkregistration from other offices of the listing enterprise, etc.

Electronic lock box 25 may be optionally networked with a real estatenetwork infra-structure through on premises network access points, suchas an owner/occupant supplied telephone line or stand-alone wirelessnetworking access provided by the real estate network. Real estate sign20 also may be networked in a similar fashion and may be used inconjunction with more than one property.

In a preferred embodiment, an antenna 32 may be placed somewhere aboutreal estate sign 20. Alternatively, any other similar device may be usedin place of antenna 32. The placement of antenna 32 preferably may bearranged to protect antenna 32 from the environment.

An electronically activated display 34 may be optionally included onreal estate sign 20 to display dynamic information supplementingphysical/mechanical signage functions pertaining to the real estateproperty, such as square footage, availability for touring, etc.Electronic display 34 and wireless communication system 24 can eachsequentially present sale-relevant information, such as “Sale Pending”,“Price Reduced”, “Additional Favorable Terms Offered by Seller”, etc.Such information can also be displayed on controlling agent device 28 orclient device 26.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram showing the overall components of awireless communication system embedded in a real estate sign accordingto the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 2, wirelesscommunication system 24 is preferably a short-range wireless system.Wireless communication system 24 may include a receiver 36, a processor38, a memory 40 and a transmitter 42. When a request for information isreceived from either controlling agent device 28, client device 26, orlock box 25, the request is preferably processed by processor 38.Processor 38 preferably accesses memory 40 to fetch the requestedinformation and transmits the information, as appropriate, viatransmitter 42. As previously stated, wireless communication system 24is preferably powered by power source 22, as shown in FIG. 1. Wirelesscommunication system 24 may operate in standalone mode or in concertwith other wireless short-range devices, including electronic lock box25.

Wireless communication system 24 may support such features as, forexample, recording feedback concerning the property from an agent and/orpotential buyers. Further, a buyer's agent or a prospective buyer maypost private messages, comments and questions directly to the seller orseller's agent. Such messages may include, but are not limited to,suggestions for making the property show better, for example. Inaddition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wirelesscommunication system 24 may record specific questions about the propertywhich are distinct from the stored types of information available viawireless communication system 24. Inputs to wireless communicationsystem 24 may be made via voice (voice mail) or input electronically,for example via I/O 44.

Wireless communication system 24 would typically be able to log andtransmit occupant messages, such as those relating to scheduling andshowing the property. For example, the occupant may log and transmit amessage such as “Do Not Disturb” if the occupant is temporarilyunavailable to receive visits. The occupant may typically use any devicecapable of communicating with wireless communication system 24,including a client device 26, a controlling agent device 28, or acompatible commercial device, such as a cellular telephone or wirelessmodem, to log such messages.

Wireless communication system 24 can preferably provide a virtual tour,for example, of the real estate property. This virtual tour preferablyallows a client to navigate via appropriate data links to information ofinterest to potential buyers, including graphical images withaccompanying narration relevant to the various rooms of the property,noteworthy items of décor, landscaping features, property improvements,specific appliances or other furnishings whose ownership will or willnot be included with the sale of the property. Additional usefulinformation, such as the formal property description recorded with therelevant municipal or other governmental entity; title/ownershiprecords, easements, covenants/restrictions, etc. conveyed with theproperty and binding on the buyer; school/taxation district levies;property improvement permit histories; etc., may be requested by aclient device 26 or controlling agent device 28 and retrieved by realestate sign 20. In addition, receiver 36 of wireless communicationsystem 24 can preferably receive and store information about thepotential buyer such as, for example, contact information or a requestfor additional information made by the potential buyer. Typically,receiver 36 can receive information about any visitor to the propertywho was carrying any client device 26 or compatible device.

Memory 40 preferably stores records of significant information andevents such as agent and potential buyer identifications, informationrequests, successful and unsuccessful access attempts and the length ofeach visit to the property, for example.

Preferably, receiver 36 is capable of receiving information from clientdevice 26 or controlling agent device 28. Such information can typicallyinclude, but is not limited to, requests for standard property listinginformation, requests to view the property, owner/occupant “in” or “out”status, owner/occupant current entry preferences (e.g., “Enter Please”,“Do Not Disturb”, etc.). Examples of data conditionally available toseller's agent may include records of accesses granted and accessesrefused, visits made inside the property with identities of agents (andof appropriately equipped potential buyers, the length of visits andother significant events.

As stated previously, controlling agent device 28 is typically providedwith capabilities which extend beyond the capabilities of client device26. Such additional capabilities include, but are not limited to,

-   -   Enabling, (re)programming, and disabling the real estate sign 20        and electronic lock box 25;    -   Enhanced access permissions for entering the property (e.g.,        override time of day, etc., restrictions customarily in effect        for all client device 26 holders;    -   Viewing and/or downloading information stored by real estate        sign 20 and electronic lock box 25;    -   Interacting with other premises electronic equipment, such as        alarm systems, watering systems, electronic appliances, etc., as        necessary;    -   Performing diagnostic actions, preventive and corrective system        maintenance functions, and summoning personnel for performing        detailed maintenance beyond the scope of agent functions.

When client or agent queries require the accessing of for-fee databases(e.g., certain municipal or other government jurisdictions) or operatingvia fee-based services of a third-party provider (title search firm,loan qualifier, value-added data services, etc.), wireless communicationsystem 24 is preferably capable of accepting and processing queries andpayments.

An additional preferred capability provided by the present invention isthe ability to distribute monetary incentives to agents for specified,measurable actions, such as showing the most properties, spending thelongest amount of time in the properties, showing the property topre-qualified buyers, spending at least a minimum amount of time insidethe property, etc. Such incentives typically may be individuallyestablished, monitored and concluded on a property-by-property basis.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a process by which the real estate signreceives an information request and transmits the requested informationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.3, in operation 43, client device 26 or controlling agent device 28preferably transmits a request for information pertaining to the realestate property. This request can be transmitted to wirelesscommunication system 24 or electronic lock box 25.

From operation 43, the process moves to operation 44, where real estatesign 20 or electronic lock box 25 determines whether the devicerequesting information is authorized to access the requestedinformation.

If in operation 44 the device requesting information is not authorizedto access the requested information, the process moves to operation 45,where a denial is sent to the requesting device signifying that therequest for information has been denied by either real estate sign 20 orelectronic lock box 25. From operation 45 the process moves to operation46, where the listing real estate office is notified of the request andthe denial from operations 43 through 45.

If in operation 44 the device is authorized to access the requestedinformation, the process moves to operation 47, where it is determinedwhether the requested information is stored in real estate sign 20 (orelectronic lock box 25). If the requested information is stored in realestate sign 20 (or electronic lock box 25), the process moves fromoperation 47 to operation 48, where the requested information istransmitted to client device 26.

If the requested information is not stored in real estate sign 20 (orelectronic lock box 25), the process moves from operation 47 tooperation 50, where a request to provide the information is sent to thecontrolling agent's real estate office.

From operation 50, the process moves to operation 52, where therequested information is transmitted to real estate sign 20 (orelectronic lock box 25). From operation 52, the process moves tooperation 48, where the requested information is transmitted to clientdevice 26. If the requester's device (client device 26 or controllingagent device 28) is not authorized access to this information (e.g.,identity of visitors, incentive payments status, occupant plans to beaway from the property, lists of accesses granted/refused, etc.), therequest is denied, a message to this effect is transmitted to therequesting device, and a record of the request is transmitted to thecontrolling agent office for disposition and processing.

It should be understood that this is just one example of a method ofrequesting and transmitting information from and to client device 26.This operation may be repeated many times while information is exchangedbetween client device 26 and real estate sign 20 (or electronic lock box25).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process in which a client device 26 orcontrolling agent device 28 requests access to the real estate propertyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.4, in operation 60, a client device 26 or controlling agent device 28,located near the real estate property, transmits a request for access tothe real estate property either via real estate sign 20 or electroniclock box 25. It should be noted that controlling agent device 28 maytransmit the request directly to electronic lock box 25. However, forthe convenience of the requester and the purposes of FIG. 4, controllingagent device 28 may transmit the request from inside a vehicle proximateto the property to the real estate sign 20 which may then relay therequest to the electronic lock box 25.

From operation 60, the process moves to operation 62, where real estatesign 20 transmits the access request to electronic lock box 25. Asstated above, if the access request is transmitted directly fromcontrolling agent device 28, operation 62 is skipped.

From operation 62, the process moves to operation 64, where it isdetermined whether access is permissible at the present time. Thisdetermination will typically be made in accordance with pre-recordedaccess rules, which can be set by the owner, occupant, or seller'sagent.

If access is not permissible at the present time, the process moves fromoperation 64 to operation 66, where the refusal to grant access istransmitted to controlling agent device 28. Other information may betransmitted at this time, such as a next available time to enter theproperty.

If access is permissible at the present time, the process moves fromoperation 64 to operation 68, where electronic lock box provides accessto the real estate property. As stated above, this can be throughelectronic control of one or more entry points of the real estateproperty or via a key stored in electronic lock box 25.

Optionally, after operation 68, the process may move to operation 70,where the visit time and/or duration may be recorded.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process for determining whether aconfigured client device is within a predetermined proximity andtransmitting information to the client device according to an embodimentof the present invention. According to the process shown in FIG. 5, itis possible for real estate sign 20 (or electronic lock box 25) to“push” information about the real estate property to devices which arewithin a predetermined proximity of real estate sign 20 (or electroniclock box 25).

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 72, it is determined whether a clientdevice is within a predetermined proximity of real estate sign 20 (orelectronic lock box 25). This proximity is determined by the range ofwireless communication provided by real estate sign 20 (or electroniclock box 25).

If in operation 72 a client device is detected, the process moves tooperation 74, where information is pushed to client device 26. Suchinformation may be a brief announcement about the real estate property,an invitation to visit the real estate property, or any otherinformation relating to the real estate property. Once a client deviceis located, any exchange of information such as described above may takeplace.

As indicated above, wireless communication system 24 is preferablyattached or embedded in real estate sign 20. However “embedded” simplyindicates that wireless communication system is connected or made a partof real estate sign 20. There may be many methods to embed or attachwireless communication system 24 to real estate sign 20, and the presentinvention is not limited to any specific manner.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosedinvention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume manyembodiments other than the preferred forms specifically set out anddescribed above. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims tocover all modifications of the invention which fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus comprising: an electronic lock box corresponding to areal estate property having a wireless communication system embeddedtherein for wirelessly receiving, storing and communicating informationabout the real estate property and controlling access to the real estateproperty by providing a mechanical or electronic key, the wirelesscommunication system being capable of transmitting the information to aremote device in response to receiving a query for the information fromthe remote device, wherein the information about the real estateproperty includes at least one selected from the group comprising aprice of the real estate property, a square footage of the real estateproperty, a virtual tour of the real estate property, a number ofbedrooms within the real estate property and an availability of the realestate property.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidelectronic lock box is hermetically sealed.
 3. The apparatus as claimedin claim 1, wherein the electronic lock box is capable of receivingrequests and transmitting information about the real estate property toa transmitting/receiving device located within a predetermined proximityof the electronic lock box.
 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3,wherein the transmitting/receiving device is one of a client configureddevice and a controlling agent device, the client configured devicecapable of requesting information about the real estate property fromthe electronic lock box, transmitting queries about the real estateproperty to the electronic lock box, transmitting client information tothe electronic lock box, transmitting client information to a remotereal estate office via the electronic lock box, viewing informationreceived from the electronic lock box or recording voice or textmessages in the electronic lock box.
 5. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 4, wherein the controlling agent device is capable of performingall client configured device functions and is further capable of atleast enabling, programming and disabling the electronic lock box,overriding access restrictions of the electronic lock box, viewinginformation stored by the electronic lock box, downloading informationstand by the electronic lock box, interacting with other premiseselectronic equipment, and maintaining the electronic lock box.
 6. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic lock box iscapable of holding at least one key therein.
 7. The apparatus as claimedin claim 1, wherein the electronic lock box comprises at least one ofthe group consisting of a memory, a proximity device reader, a display,a clock and an alarm.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, whereinthe electronic lock box is capable of storing at least one of a groupcomprising a time of a visit to the real estate property, a duration ofthe visit to the real estate property, an identity of a person whovisited the real estate property and comments and/or suggestions formthe person who visited the real estate property.
 9. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the electronic lock box can communicate vianetwork to a controlling real estate office, the controlling real estateoffice transmitting a control signal to the electronic lock box topermit access to the real estate property.
 10. The apparatus as claimedin claim 7, wherein the electronic lock box is capable of recording anattempt to gain access to the real estate property.
 11. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the electronic lock box can restrict accessto the real estate property based upon communicated entry rules.
 12. Areal estate system comprising: an electronic lock box having a wirelesscommunication system embedded therein located within a predeterminedproximity of a real estate property and controlling access to realestate property by providing a mechanical or electronic key, theelectronic lock box being capable of wirelessly receiving, storing andcommunicating information about the real estate property; and atransmitting/receiving device configured to transmit a query for theinformation about the real estate property to the electronic lock boxand receive the information from the electronic lock box in response toquery, wherein the information about the real estate property includesat least one selected from the group comprising a price of the realestate property, a square footage of the real estate property, a virtualtour of the real estate property, a number of bedrooms within the realestate property and an availability of the real estate property.
 13. Amethod of marketing a real estate property comprising: providing anelectronic lock box within a predetermined proximity of the real estateproperty for controlling access to the real estate property by releasinga mechanical or electronic key; receiving by the electronic lockboxinformation about the real estate property; storing the informationabout the real estate property in the electronic lockbox; receiving, bythe electronic lock box, a query about the real estate property from atransmitting/receiving device; and transmitting the information aboutthe real estate property from the electronic lock box to thetransmitting/receiving device in response to receiving the query,wherein the information about the real estate property includes at leastone selected from the group comprising a price of the real estateproperty, a square footage of the real estate property, a virtual tourof the real estate property, a number of bedrooms within the real estateproperty and an availability of the real estate property.